2. Cystitis

Cystitis -is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder. Most of the time, the inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection, and it's called a urinary tract infection (UTI). A bladder infection can be painful and annoying, and it can become a serious health problem if the infection spreads to your kidneys.

Cystitis is a condition where the urinary bladder is infected by bacteria. Children and men can also get cystitis, but this is uncommon. People with interstitial cystitis have a bladder wall that is inflamed and irritated (red and sore). This inflammation can scar the bladder or make it stiff. Whereas an infection can cause an inflamed area in the bladder, inflammation in the bladder cannot cause infection and can occur without infection being present.

Cystitis is a condition that results in recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder and the surrounding pelvic region. It causes burning sensations during urination and a frequent need to urinate. When caused by germs, cystitis is called a bacterial urinary tract infection. UTIs can be painful and annoying. A UTI such as cystitis can become a serious health problem if the infection spreads to your kidneys. Although interstitial cystitis is chronic, for most people it isn't progressive, which means that however mild or severe your symptoms, they won't usually get worse over time. This is an annoying and irritating condition which most commonly affects women, but can affect all age groups. Over two million women in the UK suffer from cystitis every year.

2.1.Symptoms of Cystitis

Common cystitis symptoms to look out for include:

• A constant need to urinate

• Urinating frequently

• Passing small amounts of urine at a time

• A burning painful sensation while urinating

• Urine that is dark, cloudy, or strong smelling

• Urine that has blood in it

• Pain in the pelvic region

• Pressure in the lower abdominal area

• Fever

• In children – bed-wetting may be a sign of an UTI. If bed-wetting occurs during the night and day and at least once a week, it may be associated with cystitis

• Children may also suffer from general fatigue and weakness if they have contracted a UTI

• Infants with UTIs tend to lose their appetite and may suffer from diarrhea or vomiting

• In the elderly, cystitis may also be accompanied by lethargy, confusion, fatigue, and fever

• In case you suffer from chills, high fever, nausea, vomiting, and acute pain in the back or the sides, call your doctor immediately

• Speak to your doctor if this is a recurring infection, if you have finished your course of antibiotics and got no relief, or you have been diagnosed with cystitis in the past

The symptoms of cystitis are very similar to a number of other conditions. For example, infections such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and thrush, or prostatitis and urethritis all have the same symptoms as cystitis. To make sure of the correct diagnosis and treatment, visit your doctor at the earliest.

Your doctor will conduct a general physical exam and order a urine test to determine the nature of the infection. Depending on the strain of bacteria that is responsible for the infection, a correct course of antibiotics or treatment can be prescribed.